The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into the city of Rainsville, Alabama, following allegations that it discriminated against a Christian addiction recovery nonprofit. The probe will examine whether the city’s denial of a rezoning exemption for Total Recovery Ministries (TRM) violated federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), and the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
Key Takeaways
- The DOJ is investigating Rainsville, Alabama, for potential discrimination against a Christian nonprofit.
- The nonprofit, Total Recovery Ministries, was denied a rezoning exemption to operate an addiction recovery facility.
- The investigation will determine if the city’s actions violated federal laws like the ADA, RLUIPA, and FHA.
DOJ Launches Investigation
The Department of Justice announced on Thursday that it is scrutinizing Rainsville’s land use and zoning practices. The investigation was prompted by a complaint filed by Total Recovery Ministries, which sought to operate a facility for individuals recovering from addiction. The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division is leading the inquiry.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon stated that the ADA ensures individuals on the path to recovery have the opportunity to participate fully in society. She added that the Civil Rights Division is committed to protecting the rights of both Americans with disabilities and religious institutions ministering to those in recovery.
Allegations Against Rainsville
In a letter addressed to Rainsville Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt and City Attorney Bradley Cornett, Dhillon outlined the scope of the investigation. The DOJ will focus on the city’s rejection of TRM’s request for a variance to operate a house for its ministry work. This request was denied by the Rainsville Zoning Board of Adjustments in November 2022.
Dhillon emphasized that the investigation is preliminary and no determination of violation has been made. The DOJ aims to gather complete and accurate information regarding the city’s zoning and land use practices.
Community Concerns and Nonprofit’s Mission
The zoning board’s decision followed concerns raised by some residents regarding the proximity of the addiction recovery ministry to their neighborhood. One resident expressed apprehension about potential risks to children and the elderly, stating, "We support the different missions, we just don’t support that location. We don’t want our kids and our elderly put at risk."
Daniel Gregory, Executive Director of TRM, conveyed that the proposed transition house was intended to help men find a better life and contribute positively to the community. He expressed a desire to "come back home and help."
Sources
- DOJ probes city’s alleged discrimination of Christian nonprofit, Christian Post.
